Kaitlyn Stewart at Royal Dinette

Ink & Drink

The craft cocktail scene in Vancouver is off the hook. We truly believe that. Our favourite place at any restaurant or bar is, well, at the bar. Chatting with bartenders, learning about what inspires them and how that translates into the ingredients and spirits they use — it’s all part of the experience. If there is one thing we’ve noticed about Vancouver’s bartenders is their passion for crafting exceptional cocktails. If there’s another thing we’ve noticed about Vancouver bartenders is their tattoos.

Ink & Drink is Like Vancouver’s series featuring the bartenders who are at the forefront of the city’s craft cocktail scene. They share with us the stories about the ink on their bodies and show us how to make one awesome drink.

In this episode we stop by Royal Dinette and hang out with bar manager Kaitlyn Stewart. Scroll down for recipe and to find out how you can drink one on the house!

I was 18, and clearly put a ton of thought into my first tattoo. It was a super unique Kanji symbol that means “Eternity.” It’s still holding real estate on my upper back between my shoulder blades. But probably not for long.

The Artist
The majority of my work has been done by this really awesome guy, Chris Hold. We have a lot in common and share the same love for all things traditional, in the tattooing sense, and cats.

I was refereed to him through another tattooer friend. We have become pretty decent pals over the years, and I always recommend him to other people if they are looking for that specific type of tattoo work. That’s if they can get an appointment with him, he is a very busy man. I go back as often as my wallet will allow. If I had all the money in the world, I’d probably be covered head to toe by now.

The InkThe majority of the tattoos on my right arm are all in the same “Sailor Jerry” style, or classic Americana flash art. I’m a big fan of big bold colours, and like the fact that this style of tattooing is widely recognizable and that there’s sort of a sense of community amongst those who proudly wear the art on their sleeve.

Sometimes I go into a tattoo consultation with just a basic idea and I have the tattoo artist put his or her spin on it. Other times I have a very specific idea that I either have him or her draw up for me and we both collaborate on the piece. When you trust your tattoo artist, it makes the whole process very easy. I’m just as proud to show off another person’s artwork, as is the tattoo artist just as proud to put their art on my body.

I have too many tattoos to count at this point. Many of my tattoos have turned into entire pieces so I don’t count them as individuals. I always have an idea in the back of my head for the next tattoo. I’d really like to finish out my right arm, so that will probably be the next big one. I’ll never have enough cat related tattoos or “Cattoos” as I like to call them. So stay tuned.

Favourite Ink
All of my tattoos have been my favourite at one point or another. I’d say currently, it’s the portrait of my “First Mate” Tux. She was my BFF, best feline friend. Chris did an incredible Sailor Jerry style tattoo of her on my forearm. I love that I can glance down at any moment and see her friendly face.

The DrinkHotel Street (aka the Like Vancouver cocktail)

Step 1: 1.5oz Sailor Jerry Rum

Step 2: .5oz Ginger Liqueur

Step 3: .25oz Mezcal

Step 4: .5oz Pressed Lemon Juice

Step 5: 1 large bar spoon of Pear Marmalade

Step 6: 2 dashes Angostura bitters & shake all ingredients

Step 7: Fine strain over crushed ice in a Collins glass.

Step 8: Top with Cream Soda garnish with orange wheel.

Ingredients

1.5 oz Sailor Jerry Rum

.5 oz Ginger Liqueur

0.25oz Mezcal

0.5oz Pressed Lemon Juice

1 large bar spoon of Pear Marmalade

2 dashes Angostura bitters

Top with Cream Soda

Add all ingredients (excluding the cream soda) into a shaker tin. Vigorously shake for 10-15 seconds. Fine strain over crushed ice into a Collins glass. Top with cream soda and garnish with an orange wheel.

Go Taste It
Like it? You won’t find it in the cocktail menu at Royal Dinette but sit at the bar and ask for the Like Vancouver cocktail. Tell Kaitlyn we sent you. Cheers!

Be one of the first 10 people to order the Like Vancouver cocktail at the bar and the second one is on the house. Deal runs January 20-February 20.